Community Engagement
APU fosters community engagement through collaborative partnerships with diverse communities at all levels. Rooted in our Christian ethos, these mutual relationships equip members to engage responsibly and respectfully.
Carnegie Community Engagement Classification
The Carnegie Foundation selected APU as 1 of 119 institutions to receive the 2020 Community Engagement Classification. These institutions join the 240 institutions that earned the classification during the 2015 selection process, for a total of 359 campuses that are active holders of this important designation. This distinction recognizes universities that demonstrate a high level of commitment to community service and service-learning.
APU’s Community Engagement Committee
Under the direction of the President’s Cabinet, the Community Engagement Committee (CEC) will:
- Communicate best practices for community engagement across the university (curricular, co-curricular, research, and other).
- Lead the Carnegie Classification for Community Engagement self-study process for each renewal cycle.
- Represent community engagement among current and future committees, task groups, university goals, department initiatives and be available for consultation.
- Coordinate tracking, vetting, and evaluation practices with university community partnerships.
- Manage APU’s annual Community-Engaged Learning Student Award nominations, selection, and awards
- Lead the implementation of university improvements relevant to enhanced community engagement as noted in suggested Carnegie Areas of Improvement.
- Adhere to the implementation of all necessary documentation regarding community engagement (MOUs, Agreement Forms, etc) as set forth by APU General Counsel.
- Collaborate with APU General Counsel to identify needs.
Download Concise Summary of APU’s Community Engagement Principles (PDF)
Download APU Community Engagement Principles (PDF)
Community-Engaged Learning Award
APU’s Community-Engaged Learning Award was established in 2003 and is funded by the Berdena Ruth Foundation. The aim of this award is to promote the ideals of servant leadership in the area of community service. Service performed by the nominated students may have been performed within APU, in the community, internationally, and/or through an academic course. The award is given to two graduating undergraduate seniors. Each student receives a monetary award of $1,200, $200 of which is donated to a charity of their choice.
There are four areas of servant leadership for which students can be recognized:
- Service within APU
- Service in the community
- Service through an academic course
- Service internationally
This program is funded by an annual gift of $2,500 from the Berdena Ruth Scholarship.
Community-Engaged Learning Award Recipients
Maya Barrientos
Social Work Major
Maya has immersed herself in transformative service experiences during her time at Azusa Pacific University (APU) that have deeply influenced her growth and passion for community engagement. Through initiatives like the Older Adult Partnership with Mankowski Homes and the Middle School Mentorship with Azusa Unified School District, Maya has learned the value of connecting with others and supporting them in various capacities.
Reflecting on her journey, Maya shares, "I've seen firsthand how a simple conversation can impact a person more than any action could, and how a simple task like packing bags of food can make a world of difference to someone in need." This understanding has fueled her commitment to empowering communities through collective efforts.
Looking forward, Maya plans to apply her learnings in graduate school, focusing on social work macro and community work. She aims to continue uplifting communities and embodying the values of a servant leader, inspired by the commandment, "Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another" (John 13:34). Maya's time at APU has shaped her path, and she is eager to grow further as a catalyst for positive change.
Conner Chick
History and Honors Humanities Major
Conner’s time at APU has been marked by an extraordinary breadth of service experiences, shaping his philosophy and growth both personally and academically. From leading worship at Grace Church of Glendora to directing music for APU Chapel Bands and engaging in international service projects in Mexico and the Netherlands, his contributions have been diverse and impactful. Conner's philosophy of servant leadership is deeply rooted in his commitment to APU’s Christ-centered mission and the understanding of community as family.
His experiences have fostered significant personal growth, offering insights into the character of Jesus through practical service, the practice and observation of humility, and a refined clarity of his vocational interests, steering him towards a broader range of intellectual pursuits. These engagements have not only expanded his skill set but have also deepened his understanding of global complexities, challenging him to think critically about the roles of local communities and intermediary institutions in fostering societal flourishing.
As Conner looks to the future, he is keen on applying the lessons learned through service at APU to tackle complex decisions with integrity and compassion. Professionally, he aspires to contribute to the development of a framework that balances American political principles with a renewed focus on localism, aiming to enhance the fabric of communities through a closer examination of their foundational institutions. This ambition, coupled with his diverse service experiences, positions Conner to make a significant impact in his professional and personal life, continuing his journey of servant leadership.
Ruthie Bolton - Runner Up
Mathematics and Design Studies Major
During her time at APU, Ruthie engaged in a diverse range of service experiences, from leading discipleship groups to supporting local and international communities through ministry and disaster relief efforts. These engagements deeply transformed her, embedding a philosophy of servant leadership modeled on Jesus' humility and love. Ruthie's approach to service evolved from seeking self-gratification to embracing humility, driven by the desire to emulate Christ’s example of placing others' needs above her own.
Reflecting on her journey, Ruthie shares, "There is no greater example of love and service than Jesus himself, and I strive to be fully present in the spaces I have been a part of to emulate Christ." Her future aspirations include integrating her passions for math, design, and education into creating a STEM-themed theme park, aiming to inspire and draw individuals closer to God's creation.
Ruthie’s experiences at APU have not only shaped her character but also solidified her commitment to serving others with humility and love. She envisions a career that harmonizes her talents with her deep desire to serve, always aiming to glorify God through her actions.
2023
- Abigail Brown, International Relations Major
- Matthew Campos, Psychology Major
2021
- Tatyahna Costello, Social Worz
- Tania Maradiaga, Psychology
2022
- Brianne Ebli, Youth and Family Ministry
- Jada Tarvin Abu-Bekr, Social Work
2020
- Breeann Blumenthal, Christian Ministries
- Seth Zomermaand, Social Work
2019
- Alexis Diaz, Social Work
- Hunter Roberts, Biology
2017
- Rebekah Guerra, Psychology
- Shea Suiter, Business: Marketing
2018
- Charles Henderson, Allied Health
- Xitlali Topete, LVN to BSN
2016
- Bridgette Kielhack, Business
- Tobias Brown, Nursing
2015
- Bridgette Kielhack, Business
- Tobias Brown, Nursing
2013
- Lauren McNair, Social Work
- Curtis Isozaki, Liberal Studies
2014
- Kaitlyn Lee, History
- Tyler Jamison, History
2012
- Christopher Waks, Theology
- Marissa Hilmes, Nursing
2011
- Gabrielle Aquino, Psychology
- Brett Johnson, Communications
2009
- Cameron Justice
- Ricky Chao
- Jonathan Garcia
- Rebecca Borst
2010
- Not Applicable
2008
- Allison Risley, Service in the Community
- Adah Fisher, Service Internationally
- Elisabet Medina, Service within APU
- Stacey Kim, Service through an Academic Course
2007
- Lauren Metzig, Service in Community
- Rhoman Goyenechea, Service Internationally
- Bethany Ulrich, Service through an Academic Course
- Phil Brazell, Service within APU
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2005
- Danielle Pruitt, Service within APU
- Melanie Seawright, Service in Community
- Michelle Siemens, Service Internationally
- Rebekah Clark, Service within APU
2003
- Bet Freed
- Kyle Thompson
- Michelle Asbill
- Kari Mandl
2006
- Matt Brannon, Service in Community
- Megan Klingensmith, Service through an Academic Course
- Giovanna Miraya, Service within APU
- Megan Sievert, Service Internationally
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2004
- Amy Thurber, Service in Community
- Faith Lee, Service Internationally
- Rosa Gaeta, Service through an Academic Course
- Andre Borgmann, Service within APU
Contact Information
Interested in connecting with APU partners?
Are you an APU department interested in further developing community engagement? Are you a community partner interested in connecting with APU? The CEC is available to collaborate with APU students, faculty, staff, and community partners. Contact the Community Engagement Committee Email at: [email protected]